IND vs NZ 2nd Test : Player Analysis : In what ways has Rohit Sharma's form in Test cricket fluctuated over recent series?

Rohit Sharma had an impressive run in Test cricket in 2023, showcasing his consistency and adaptability against top teams. Starting with Australia, he displayed grit by accumulating 300 runs across 8 innings, averaging 37.5, including a century and 35 boundaries. His most striking feature was his patience, as shown by a dot-ball percentage of 70.5%, indicating his disciplined approach. Against West Indies, he further solidified his form, notching up an average of 80 across 3 innings, with 2 fifties and a century, maintaining a steady strike rate around 58.8. However, South Africa proved to be a challenging series for Rohit, where he struggled to make a significant impact, managing only 5 runs over 2 innings, dropping his yearly average slightly.

Kicking off 2024, Rohit found himself in stellar form against England, where he amassed an impressive 400 runs, featuring 2 centuries and a fifty. His performance in that series suggested his dominance would continue throughout the year. However, after the England series, Rohit's form took a dip as he struggled to reach the three-figure mark in subsequent games. While his early success positioned him as a key contributor, the sudden decline highlighted the challenges of maintaining consistency at the highest level.

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Analysis of 2024 test match played by Rohit Sharma

In 2024, Rohit Sharma’s Test cricket journey has been a mixed one, filled with both highs and challenges as he adapts to different playing styles against varied bowling attacks. Kicking off the year on a high note against England, Rohit adopted a bold, attacking approach that paid off well. Over nine innings, he amassed 400 runs with an average of 44.4, featuring two centuries and a fifty. His highest score of 131 displayed his ability to take control, punishing the English bowlers with boundaries and well-timed sixes. His strike rate of 64.2 underscored his aggressive intent, which ultimately proved effective, positioning him as a key contributor in India’s lineup.

However, after his success against England, Rohit’s fortunes turned during the Bangladesh series. Determined to maintain an aggressive strategy, he attempted to dominate the Bangladeshi bowlers, but this time, it backfired. In four innings, Rohit managed only 42 runs at a low average of 10.5. While his strike rate of 95.5 reflected his intent, he couldn’t convert starts into significant scores. His quick dismissals suggested an overcommitment to high-risk shots, which left him struggling to find rhythm. This series served as a reminder of the challenges of consistently playing with aggression, especially in different conditions.

Next up was New Zealand, where Rohit altered his approach yet again. Aware of the Kiwi bowlers’ ability to exploit challenging conditions, he took a more cautious stance. Yet, despite this adjustment, his performance was underwhelming. Across four innings, he scored just 62 runs, with an average of 15.5. His highest score, a half-century of 52, showed glimpses of adaptability, but he couldn’t find the consistency he sought. With a lower strike rate of 59.6, Rohit aimed to build his innings patiently, yet New Zealand’s disciplined attack hindered his success. This series highlighted the difficulties in adapting quickly enough to different bowling conditions.

The series against South Africa saw yet another shift. Playing two innings, Rohit scored 56 runs with a notable average of 56. His measured strike rate of 77.8 and a high dot-ball percentage of 68.1 reflected a careful, strategic approach, emphasizing stability and valuing his wicket. While his scores weren’t groundbreaking, Rohit’s composure and restraint showed a maturing mindset, a contrast to his earlier aggressive stances. This adaptation illustrated his ability to anchor an innings and highlighted his evolving strategies to find balance between patience and aggression.

Looking ahead, Rohit still has a crucial opportunity to solidify his form in the upcoming third Test against New Zealand. A strong performance here could allow him to overcome the inconsistencies of recent series and establish himself once again as India’s reliable opener. This match offers him the chance to reset, showcase his adaptability, and, most importantly, prove that his form remains intact despite the challenges faced earlier in the year.

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